An annual site inspection survey of a random sample of Los Angeles County bars and restaurants monitoring compliance with the California Smoke-Free Workplace Law shows substantial gains between 1998 and 2001. However, about 33% of stand alone bars still fail to comply with the California Smoke-Free Workplace Law in comparison to approximately 1% for combination bar/restaurants. Moreover, 2001 survey findings show a leveling off in compliance among stand alone bars. To identify reasons for the relatively high noncompliance rates among stand alone bars, a brief interviewer-administered survey of bar management and staff was conducted in July of 2001. The results indicated that 43% of stand alone bar management/staff favored repealing the California Smoke-Free Workplace Law compared to 17% among combination bar/restaurants. Among stand alone bar management/staff who favored repealing the law, 67% of bar/restaurants staff agreed with the statement that "the law has hurt business", 53% agreed with "smoking should be the owner's choice, not the government's", 40% agreed with "the law unfairly discriminates against smokers", and 32% agreed with "the law forces me to police my customers." These findings indicate that 3½ years after the implementation of the California Smoke-Free Workplace Law, a substantial number of stand alone owners/managers favor repealing the law, primarily based on economic concerns. Dispelling the "myth" of economic harm held by owners and managers of stand alone bars may be needed before further gains in compliance can be achieved.

Learning Objectives: During this session, the presenters will discuss how to

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use opinion survey data to design more effective interventions; (

collaborate with the media, law enforcement, and allied health professionals to devise enforcement strategies; and apply the strategies learned from the Los Angeles experience.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.